A SPECIAL school in Whitefield has struck gold after being recognised for the way it cares for its staff.

Elms Banks secondary school has won a Gold Award with Investors in People.

The Ripon Avenue school says its employees are the greatest strength of the school and they aim to provide the "highest standards of education and care for their young people as well as investing in its staff teams’ careers, wellbeing and development".

Head teacher Orienne Langley-Sadler said: “We are exceptionally proud to be recognised for our ‘Gold’ standard approach to staff development.

“The young people in our care deserve the very best staff team to support them through their school career.

“By investing in each and every one of our staff, both personally and professionally, we believe we have (got) a staff team, who not only value their own development, but are committed to the vision and values of our school and young people.

“They truly are our greatest strength.”

CEO of Investors in People, Paul Devoy, added: “We’d like to congratulate Elms Bank.

"Gold accreditation on ‘We invest in people’ is a fantastic effort for any organisation, and places Elms Bank in fine company with a host of organisations that understand the value of people.”